Women-Owned Business Certifications

For women entrepreneurs, obtaining a Women-Owned Business (WOB) certification can be a strategic and empowering step toward growth, credibility, and opportunity. These certifications are designed to help businesses gain visibility, demonstrate ownership diversity, access new sources of capital, and qualify for both public and private contracting programs. They also open the door to valuable supplier diversity networks and partnerships with corporations and government entities that prioritize inclusive procurement.

Who should consider certification?

Certification may be especially worthwhile for:

• Businesses that are at least 51% owned, operated, and controlled by one or more women who meet program eligibility requirements.

• Companies interested in competing for government contracts—whether federal, state, or local—where set-asides or supplier diversity goals apply.

• Firms looking to participate in corporate supplier-diversity programs or strengthen their positioning in competitive procurement networks.

• Organizations seeking to enhance market credibility, strengthen their brand identity, and showcase leadership in diversity and inclusion.

While certification is not a guarantee of new business, it can serve as both a qualification tool and a marketing advantage. For many women business owners, who have historically faced barriers in capital access, contracting, and professional networks, these programs can provide meaningful opportunities to grow, collaborate, and compete on a broader scale.

This guide summarizes the most widely recognized certification options for women-owned businesses at the national, federal, and state levels. Each section outlines key eligibility criteria, benefits, and application steps to help you determine which certification (or combination of certifications) best aligns with your business goals and growth strategy.

1. WBENC (Women’s Business Enterprise National Council) Certification

• Overview: The WBENC certification is one of the most widely recognized certifications for women-owned businesses. It provides national recognition and opportunities for companies to become suppliers for larger corporations and government agencies.

• Eligibility: The business must be at least 51% woman-owned, operated, and controlled by a woman.

• Benefits: Access to a national network of women-owned businesses, resources, and opportunities with major corporations that seek to diversify their supply chains.

• Application Process:

  • Submit an application through the WBENC portal or its authorized regional partner.

  • Provide documentation about ownership, operations, financials, and other relevant business details.

• Filing Fee: $350–$1,250

2. WOSB (Women-Owned Small Business) Certification

• Overview: This certification is specific to businesses that want to do business with the federal government. It helps to provide more contracting opportunities for women-owned businesses.

• Eligibility: The business must be at least 51% women-owned, and the woman owner must control the daily operations. For federal contracts, it must also be a small business as defined by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). You can check potential eligibility here.

• Benefits: Increased opportunities for government contracts, set-aside contracts, and direct access to the SBA’s resources.

• Application Process:

  • Register in the System for Award Management (SAM).

  • Complete the SBA’s WOSB application through the SBA’s Certify.SBA.gov website. 

3. DBE (Disadvantaged Business Enterprise) Certification

• Overview: DBE is designed for small businesses owned by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals (including women) participating in federally-funded transportation projects (e.g., via the U.S. Department of Transportation).

• Eligibility: The business must be at least 51% women-owned and controlled, and it must meet other small business criteria.

• Benefits: Eligibility for participation in transportation contracts, access to funding, and networking opportunities in the transportation industry.

• Application Process:

  • Apply through your local state or regional DOT office.

    • Massachusetts DBE Program 

4. NMSDC (National Minority Supplier Development Council) – Women-Owned Business

• Overview: Though primarily for minority-owned businesses, NMSDC offers certification for women who are also part of minority groups.

• Eligibility: The business must be at least 51% minority women-owned and must meet certain size standards for small businesses.

• Benefits: Access to a network of major corporations looking to diversify their supplier base and inclusion in minority supplier development programs.

• Application Process:

  • Apply through the NMSDC’s portal and submit required documents about your business.

5. Certifications for State and Local Contracts

• Overview: Many states and local governments have their own certification programs for women-owned businesses. These certifications are often required for local and state government contracting.

• Eligibility: Varies by state, but generally, businesses must be at least 51% women-owned and meet other requirements.

• Benefits: Access to state and local government contracts, special initiatives, and funding opportunities.

• Application Process:

  • Apply through the respective state or local government’s business certification program.

• Website: Check your state or local government website for more information.

7. Massachusetts State Certification –Women Business Enterprise (WBE)

• Overview: The Massachusetts Supplier Diversity Office (SDO) administers the Women Business Enterprise (WBE) certification, which formally recognizes businesses that are majority owned and controlled by women. This certification allows women-owned businesses to compete for state and local government contracts, participate in supplier diversity programs, and be listed in the Commonwealth’s directory of certified vendors.
• Eligibility: To qualify, a business must be:

  • At least 51% owned, managed, and controlled by one or more women.

  • An independent, for-profit business that is capable of performing the work using its own resources.

  • In operation for a sufficient period to demonstrate the ability to conduct business.

  • Principally based in Massachusetts (or an out-of-state business registered and authorized to do business in Massachusetts).
    Applicants must also complete a mandatory pre-certification workshop before applying and be able to document ownership, control, management, and independence.

• You can use this Self Assessment Intake to Prescreen for Potential Eligibility SDO

Benefits:

• Recognition as a certified Woman Business Enterprise (WBE) within Massachusetts.

• Eligibility to participate in state and municipal procurement programs with supplier diversity goals.

• Listing in the official SDO Certified Business Directory, increasing visibility with agencies and prime contractors.

• Invitations to networking events, training programs, and procurement opportunities for certified diverse businesses.

• Enhanced credibility and access to local initiatives designed to support women-owned enterprises.

Application Process:

• Complete the required SDO pre-certification workshop.

• Register and submit the online application through the SDO certification portal.

• Provide supporting documentation, including proof of ownership, control, management, and business operation.

• The review process typically takes several weeks and may include an on-site or virtual visit.

Each certification program has different benefits depending on your business goals, whether you want to grow through government contracts, corporate supplier diversity programs, or specialized industry sectors.

 

Certification	Focus & Best For	Key Eligibility	Massachusetts Notes	Filing Fees / Costs*
WBENC (Women’s Business Enterprise National Council)	Corporate supply chain access and national recognition for women-owned businesses	At least 51% owned, operated, and controlled by women	National certification with recognition across major corporations and partner networks	Application fees typically range from $350–$1,250 based on company revenue
WOSB / EDWOSB (Women-Owned Small Business)	Federal contracting opportunities for women-owned small businesses	51% women-owned and controlled; must meet SBA small business size standards	Ideal for businesses pursuing federal contracts or subcontracts with prime contractors in MA	Free to apply directly through SBA; third-party certifiers may charge $275–$500
DBE (Disadvantaged Business Enterprise)	Transportation and infrastructure projects funded by the U.S. Department of Transportation	51% owned and controlled by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals, including women	Apply through the MA Unified Certification Program (MassDOT/MBTA); valuable for transportation contracts	No fee
NMSDC (National Minority Supplier Development Council)	Corporate supplier diversity network for minority and women business owners	At least 51% minority-woman ownership and control	Best for minority women seeking access to national corporate supplier programs	Initial certification typically $350–$1,200 depending on business size; renewal ~$300–$1,000 annually
SBA 8(a)	Comprehensive business development and federal contracting program for disadvantaged small businesses	51% owned and controlled by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals; SBA size standards apply	Includes women-owned firms; provides mentoring, training, and set-aside contracts	Free
MA WBE (Massachusetts Supplier Diversity Office)	State and local contracting and supplier diversity certification for women-owned businesses in Massachusetts	51% owned, managed, and controlled by women; must complete SDO pre-certification workshop; business must be independent and operational	Required for eligibility in Massachusetts state and municipal contracts; enhances access to local supplier diversity goals	Free
Grants & State Programs (e.g., MassCEC MWBE Grants)	Funding and growth support for certified minority and women-owned businesses	Must hold or pursue MWBE certification; eligibility varies by program	Massachusetts agencies periodically offer targeted grants to certified WBEs	No application fee; varies by program availability

*Costs reflect typical 2024–2025 application ranges and exclude legal or consulting assistance.

Which Certification Should You Choose — Massachusetts WBE or Federal WOSB?

If you could only pursue one certification, the best choice depends entirely on where your business earns (or plans to earn) its revenue through state and local contracts or through federal contracting and large corporate supply chains.

If your business works primarily in Massachusetts or with local/state entities:

The Massachusetts Women Business Enterprise (WBE) certification through the Supplier Diversity Office (SDO) is your best investment.

• It connects you directly to the Commonwealth’s procurement system and municipal contracting opportunities.
• Massachusetts agencies and many large local institutions have supplier diversity goals that specifically require or prioritize SDO-certified WBEs.
• The certification is free, well-recognized within the state, and supported by active networking and training programs.
• It’s especially valuable for businesses in construction, consulting, professional services, or local goods supply that work with public institutions like universities, municipalities, or state agencies.

Bottom line:
If you do business in Massachusetts, this certification opens immediate doors that federal or national credentials might not.

If your business sells nationally or targets federal contracts:

The Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB) certification through the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is the stronger choice.

• It’s the only certification recognized for federal contract set-asides and federal subcontracting goals.
• WOSB status can qualify your business for exclusive opportunities in industries where women are underrepresented (e.g., IT, defense, construction, logistics).
• It’s also portable, recognized nationwide (not just in Massachusetts) and is often viewed favorably by large corporations with supplier diversity programs.

Bottom line:
If your client base or growth strategy extends beyond Massachusetts, especially into federal or corporate supply contracts, the WOSB certification delivers broader reach and long-term strategic value.

For most women-owned businesses based in Massachusetts, start with the state WBE certification because it’s easier to obtain, highly relevant to local growth, and provides a foundation for building credibility. Once your business is established and looking to expand regionally or nationally, consider adding the federal WOSB certification to broaden your opportunities.

Both certifications can complement one another, and for businesses serious about scaling, a dual-certification strategy is often ideal.

Supporting Certified Women-Owned Businesses

Certification isn’t just about eligibility for contracts, it’s also about building a stronger, more inclusive business ecosystem in Massachusetts. Whether you’re a consumer, corporate buyer, or agency partner, choosing to work with certified women-owned businesses directly supports economic growth, job creation, and equity across the Commonwealth.

The Massachusetts Supplier Diversity Office (SDO) maintains a searchable Certified Business Directory where you can find Women Business Enterprises (WBEs), Minority/Women Business Enterprises (M/WBEs), and other diverse suppliers across industries.

You can explore the directory, verify certifications, or identify potential partners and vendors by visiting:
👉 Massachusetts Certified Business Directory

This directory is a valuable tool for:

• Consumers and businesses looking to support women-owned and diverse suppliers.
• Agencies and prime contractors seeking to meet supplier diversity goals.
• Certified businesses wanting to connect, collaborate, and expand their network within the state.

By intentionally sourcing from certified businesses, you can help strengthen Massachusetts’ entrepreneurial community; empowering women-owned enterprises to thrive and continue opening doors for others.

If you’re a woman-owned business seeking to expand opportunities through certification, Trident Legal can help. Our firm advises on the legal and strategic aspects of the process—identifying the right certification, preparing required documentation, and ensuring compliance for long-term growth. Contact us to discuss how certification can support your business objectives.

This content is provided for general informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. By using this site, you understand that no attorney–client relationship is formed between you and Trident Legal LLC or its representatives. You should not rely on this information as a substitute for competent legal advice from a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction who is familiar with the facts and circumstances of your specific situation.